The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has announced that Nigerians will soon experience adjusted telecom tariffs, though not by 100%.

The minister made this disclosure after a stakeholders’ meeting with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Tijani revealed that ongoing consultations and engagements are taking place regarding the proposed tariff increase. While the MNOs have suggested a 100% hike, the minister assured the public that the increase will not reach that figure. He emphasized that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will soon release a clear directive on the new tariffs.

“Over the past few weeks, some companies have been requesting a 100% tariff increase, but it will not be by that extent. The NCC will come up with the exact details soon,” Tijani said. He also noted that the government aims to strike a balance by ensuring that the telecom sector continues to grow while also protecting consumers.

The minister further highlighted that the government would no longer leave infrastructure investments solely to private companies, as the country aims to improve the sector’s sustainability and growth. He acknowledged the importance of quality service and meaningful connectivity, stating that investments in infrastructure are crucial for delivering these services.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, stated that although no decision has been made yet regarding the exact percentage of the tariff increase, further stakeholder engagements will take place, with a final decision expected within the next week or two.

Maida also called for greater transparency, urging MNOs to simplify their pricing structures, making it easier for Nigerians to understand the charges for voice calls, SMS, and data. He expressed concern over the complicated pricing models, which often confuse consumers and fuel suspicion about data theft.

Representatives from telecom companies like Airtel Nigeria highlighted the need for tariff adjustments due to the rising operational and capital costs. They emphasized that such increases are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry and to promote digital inclusion.

As the consultation process continues, Nigerians can expect more clarity on the exact adjustments to telecom tariffs in the coming weeks.

At least 11 lives were lost, and 31 huts were burnt to ashes following a violent clash in Gululu village, spanning Jahun and Miga local government areas of Jigawa State.

The incident, which occurred last Friday, has left the community in mourning and fear, with reports of tension escalating in the area.

Suleiman Abubakar Jahun, a Fulani elder who tragically lost five of his children, described the events as devastating. “I was at home when I heard about the fight between the Hausa and Fulani communities. By the time I arrived, the killings had already begun. It was senseless and heartbreaking,” he recounted. Abubakar emphasized that his children were innocent and not involved in the conflict. Now left with the responsibility of caring for his 18 grandchildren, he appealed to the government for urgent assistance.

Another victim, Amadu Garba Jahun, who lost a child, called for peace and justice. “We’re not seeking revenge or planning to take the law into our own hands. We just want the authorities to do their job and bring justice,” he said.

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The Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has stepped in to provide relief to the affected families, donating 25 bags of rice and N500,000. Families who lost children received additional support, including five bags of rice and N100,000. Dr. Haruna Mairiga, Chairman of SEMA, attributed the clash to theft by unknown individuals. He explained that stolen goods were traced to a settlement, leading to an escalation that resulted in the tragic loss of lives and property.

Hon. Jamilu Muhammad Danmalam, Executive Chairman of Jahun Local Government Area, described the incident as a minor issue that spiraled out of control. He assured residents that efforts were underway to restore peace and security, in collaboration with the state government and security agencies. Similarly, Hon. Bilya Dauda Garbau, Executive Chairman of Miga Local Government, urged security agencies to intervene fully. He commended SEMA for its swift response in assisting the victims.

The Commissioner of Police in Jigawa State, CP AT Abdullahi, revealed that a committee has been set up to manage farmer-herder conflicts across the state. He assured residents that the police command is working tirelessly to arrest those responsible for the violence. “We urge the communities to remain calm and avoid panic. Security agencies are doing their best to prevent further clashes,” Abdullahi stated.

The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued efforts to promote harmony and address underlying tensions within communities.

A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, has sentenced five Egba chiefs to six months imprisonment for damaging a sealed notice and removing caution tape placed by the Abeokuta South Local Government on the Ogboni Igbore House.

The court, however, gave them the option of paying a N50,000 fine each.

The convicted chiefs—Anthony Ogunseye (55), the Apena of Igbore; Ajasa Enisemo (67); Saheed Sanusi (50); Oludotun Oliyide (60); and Fatai Mutairu (63)—faced a four-count charge of conspiracy, malicious damage, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and stealing.

Delivering her verdict on Wednesday, Magistrate E.O. Ogunyemi stated, “The prosecution has presented sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused are guilty as charged. I, therefore, sentence each of them to six months imprisonment or the option of a N50,000 fine.”

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The prosecutor, Inspector Olaide Rawlings, told the court that the incident occurred on March 21, 2023, around 12:15 pm at the Ogboni House in the Igbore area of Abeokuta.

According to Rawlings, the chiefs had conspired to remove a sealed letter and caution tape affixed by the Abeokuta South Local Government on the Ogboni House, which had been sealed for security reasons due to a crisis over a chieftaincy title.

The prosecutor further alleged that the chiefs stole two billboards placed on the doors of the Ogboni House by the local government.

Tensions had been high in the area following the crisis, prompting the local government to seal the house to maintain peace. However, the actions of the chiefs were said to have disrupted this effort, resulting in the charges brought against them.

Magistrate Ogunyemi’s judgment reflects the seriousness of the offence, emphasizing the need for respecting government actions intended to ensure public safety.

At least one person lost his life, while six others sustained varying degrees of injuries in two separate road accidents that occurred on Tuesday.

The accidents took place along the Otedola Bridge area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and at Ijebu Imusin, near Imeri Junction, along the Sagamu-Benin Expressway.

An incident report by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), signed by its Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, revealed that the accident at Otedola Bridge occurred during the early hours of the day.

The collision involved four articulated trucks laden with containers. Preliminary investigations indicated that reckless driving caused the crash, leaving one person dead and three others injured.

“On arrival at the scene, the agency’s Response Team discovered that a multiple-truck accident had occurred. The force of the collision caused the trucks to get stuck to each other,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.

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“Unfortunately, one adult male extricated from beneath one of the trucks succumbed to his injuries. Three adult males sustained varying degrees of injuries, with two victims receiving initial medical attention at the scene before being transported to the Accident and Emergency Centre.”

In a separate incident, the Commandant General of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Seni Ogunyemi, reported a lone accident involving a white Sienna vehicle with registration number RBC 751 XU.

The accident occurred at Ijebu Imusin, before Imeri Junction, along the Sagamu-Benin Expressway. Excessive speed, which led to a loss of control, was identified as the cause of the crash.

Of the six occupants, three females sustained injuries, while no fatalities were recorded.

TRACE operatives transported the injured victims to Ronal Hospital, Ijebu Ode, for medical treatment.

Authorities have urged motorists to prioritize safety and avoid reckless driving to prevent further tragedies on the nation’s highways.